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You don't have to figure out University life on your own. Our student communities and services are here to support you and make you feel at home.

Our communities

Our students come from a wide range cultures and backgrounds and we have great support services to help you make the most of your time at Otago. Explore our communities and find a home away from home.

Māori Centre


Te Huka Mātauraka provides a nurturing environment for our tauira and offers academic, cultural, therapeutic, pastoral and social support.

Pacific Islands Centre


We offer academic, pastoral and cultural support for all Pacific students, their families and communities.

International students


Our specialist International Student Advisers support our international students to integrate successfully into life and study at Otago.

Locals Collegiate Community


Locals is the biggest student community on campus, supporting first-year students who live at home, flat, or board.

A safe campus, a safe city

New Zealand ranks fourth in the International Global Peace index which makes it one of the world's safest countries.

According to the latest New Zealand government Quality of Life Survey, Dunedin people rate the city as a safe and affordable place to live. Nearly all (95%) Dunedin people surveyed feel safe in the city centre during the day.

All residential colleges and key facilities are within easy walking distance of the University and the city centre and our Campus Watch team is available 24/7 so that you can feel safe on our Dunedin campus and beyond.

Campus safety and security


Find out what we do to keep you safe on campus.

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Students on campus

Student support

University life can sometimes feel overwhelming. The good news is you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. We offer a range of support services to make your time here as stress-free and successful as possible.

Health and wellbeing

Health services


Student Health offers urgent and routine GP, nursing, and mental health support services in a safe and inclusive environment.

Disability information and support


If you have a physical, psychological or learning disability, Disability Information and Support are here to help.

Te Whare Tāwharau


Our drop-in, support and prevention centre provides sexual violence related support within the campus community.

OUSA Student Support Centre


OUSA’s Student Support Centre can help with anything life can throw at you, from queer support to wellbeing advice.

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Healthy campus


Support services, tools and resources  to enhance your health and wellbeing.

Chaplains


Otago’s chaplaincy team can provide you with confidential and non-judgemental support regardless of belief or background.

Childcare


We provide high quality early childhood education and care for children of students and staff.

Physical wellbeing


Whether you’re looking to clear your head, meet new people or achieve a healthy study-life balance, Unipol Recreation has you covered.

Study support

Course advice


Our course advisers are available to help you map out your study plans throughout your time at Otago.

Student Learning Development


We provide free academic learning programmes, workshops and online resources to help you up your study game.

Libraries


Six campus libraries offer a huge range of resources and warm, comfortable study spaces.

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Career Development Centre


Starting to think about your future career? Explore our workshops, seminars and other resources.

Learn more about life at Otago

Accommodation


Finding the right accommodation can make a real difference when it comes to settling in and feeling at home.

Get involved


At Otago there are lots of ways to stay active, connect with people and make a difference in your community.

Campus


Our main campus in Dunedin has been recognised as one of the most beautiful university campuses in the world.

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